The Autonomy of the Local Church | What Is the True Church According to the Bible?

In this Wednesday night message from our Baptist Distinctives series, we examine the biblical doctrine of the autonomy of the local church and answer an important question: What is the Church according to the Bible?This study explores the difference between:The Family of GodThe Kingdom of GodThe Kingdom of HeavenThe Church of GodUsing Scripture from Matthew 16, Acts 2, Ephesians 2, Luke 6, and many other passages, this message explains why these terms are not interchangeable and why sound doctrine matters in the life of the believer and the local church.Topics covered include:• Biblical authority and sound doctrine• Christ as the foundation of His church• The meaning of “ekklesia” (called-out assembly)• Why the church is local and visible• The ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper• The difference between church tradition and Bible doctrine• The independence of the local church from state or denominational control• Salvation, baptism, and church membershipThis message challenges believers to compare every doctrine and tradition with Scripture and to understand God’s purpose for the local church in carrying out the Great Commission.If this message helped you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with others.